Tokyo, October 16, 2003 --- Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the upcoming release in Japan of the new Dio scooter, featuring an air-cooled, 4-stroke 50cc engine and striking new design. The new Dio is the third model manufactured in China to be introduced here, and goes on sale Thursday, November 20, 2003.

The Dio features a bold new sporty wedge-shape body and environmental performance built into every detail. The high-quality styling is accented by six different color variations of lustrous pearl-white and metallic paints certain to please a broad range of customers.

Production of the new Dio takes full advantage of Honda's global network with research and development conducted in Japan, optimal procurement of parts from various countries in Asia, and the manufacturing handled under the most stringent quality control standards at Sundiro Honda Motorcycle Co., Ltd. in China.

The new Dio is the fourth in the Dio series to be sold in Japan, joining the water-cooled 4-stroke 50cc Smart Dio, the Smart Dio Deluxe, which features an advanced Idle Stop System and front disc brakes, and the Smart Dio Z4---all manufactured at Honda's Kumamoto Factory. Optimally leveraging worldwide operating resources and achieving a mutually complementary supply of products within regions, Honda is moving forward with its 'Made by Global Honda' policy, responding to diversifying customer demand by manufacturing in the appropriate location for supply to each market.

Dio

= Key Features =

Highly reliable air-cooled 4-stroke engine

The new Dio is equipped with a highly reliable, forced-air-cooled engine. An air injection (secondary air supply) system has been combined with a compact combustion chamber to reduce harmful pollutants in the exhaust gas. The engine has also been tuned to provide ample power in the low-to-mid engine speed ranges---just right for the frequent starts and acceleration of city driving. Fuel consumption is an impressive 65km/liter*1.

The anti-theft system utilizes a key cylinder that features centralized control of the main switch, seat opener and handle lock. The key cylinder is also equipped with a shutter-like protective cover. A U-lock holder on the rear carrier enables a U-lock to be fitted. Extra security is achieved through pre-wiring for an optional alarm kit or immobilizer alarm. Safety equipment includes a combined brake system that distributes an appropriate balance of front and rear wheel braking force when only the left (rear wheel) brake lever is used. This enables effective stopping while maintaining vehicle stability.